My 2018 Top 5 NBA Draft prospects

With the NBA draft fast approaching; here is a list of the top 5 prospects in the world.

DEANDRE AYTON, C, ARIZONA | FRESHMAN

In today’s NBA, players like Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant are now the norm. 7 feet tall with handle like a point guard, and a jump shot deadly enough to stretch defenses leaving wide open lanes for slashers to get to the basket. Deandre Ayton fits this mold perfectly. This 7’1” freshman is averaging 19.5 points and 10.7 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per game while shooting 62.9 percent from 2 and 34.5 percent from 3. He also has 7-foot-5 wingspan, and weighs in at 260 pounds. There is little doubt that he is one of the best players in this draft and will most likely be taken with the number one pick.

MARVIN BAGLEY III, F/C, DUKE | FRESHMAN

Bagley game will defiantly translate to the NBA. At Duke he is averaging 21.2 points per game and 11.4 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. He is 6’11” and uses his size to create mismatches close to the basket. The fact that he should still be in high school is even more impressive. His weaknesses are easily fixable and could have something to with the fact that he is so young.

MOHAMED BAMBA, C, TEXAS | FRESHMAN

Many feel that Bamba’s appeal has to do with his defensive dominance. Any team that drafts him will be betting on his upside because his offensive game is still developing. He is averaging 13 point per game shooting 64% from the field. He is also averaging 10 rebounds per game and 4 blocks. As we all know, NBA teams are suckers for athletic 7 footers and Bamba is defiantly one of those types of players that could develop into a perennial all-star.

TRAE YOUNG, PG, OKLAHOMA | FRESHMAN

Young is a front runner for the player of the year award and is averaging 29 points per game at the point guard position. Steven A Smith has said that Young will be exposed when he gets to the NBA due to his slight frame and inability to perform when defenders get physical with him. He has been compared to Isaiah Thomas but at 6’2” 180lbs that is not a fair comparison as he towers over Thomas. “He’s had some games where you get all up in him, and I think that that could be potentially problematic,” Smith went on to say, “I think the kid’s got a lot of promise, and I wish him nothing but the best. … He’s no scrub. Of course not. And he’s been impressive from time to time, but the raving about him … I don’t get it.” LeBron James has said that Young should declare for the draft as soon as he is eligible which will be at the end of the season.

LUKA DONCIC, G, REAL MADRID

Doncic is 6’8” 220lbs and has performed well in the European and Spanish leagues. He will have to adjust to the speed of the NBA but has shown an ability to handle the ball and could probably fit right in at the 1 or the 2. He is averaging 16 points per game 4 assists and 5 rebounds in the Euroleague but his unselfishness and court awareness make him an attractive prospect for a team looking to fill in their rotation.